Who HQ: The 50 States

Did you know that the Golden Gate Bridge isn't actually gold? Are you aware that Southern California experiences around 10,000 earthquakes each year? Or that you might spot your favorite celebrity's name on the Hollywood Walk of Fame? Including information on the region's many Indigenous groups, this book explores California's rich history and culture, from its nine national parks to the filming sites of most American movies. No wonder it’s the most populous state in the country!

Did you know Illinois was the first state to ratify the Thirteenth Amendment? Are you aware that the Chicago River flows backwards? Or that the state is home to President Barack Obama? Including information on the Cahokia region and early French settlers, this book on Illinois history and culture will engage all readers, from the story of why the northern border of Illinois was altered twice to the deadly Great Chicago Fire.

Did you know that Walt Disney World has over 58 million visitors each year? Are you aware that NASCAR is headquartered in Florida? Or that there are over 800 Florida Keys with 42 bridges connecting the tiny islands? Including information on the first people who arrived in the area 12,000 years ago, this book explores Florida's rich history and diverse landscape, from the wetlands of the Everglades to the state's famous sandy beaches. Florida truly is the Sunshine State!

Did you know that the state is named after King George II? Are you aware that Martin Luther King Jr. was born and raised in Atlanta, Georgia? Or that the Cherokee Nation is responsible for peaches in the region? Including information on the area's first residents from 15,000 years ago, this book explores the complex and captivating history of Georgia, from the historic rock mounds of the Woodland Period to the birth of Coca-Cola in Atlanta in 1886.

Did you know that seven US presidents have been born in Ohio? Are you aware that the Ohio state flag is not a rectangle? Or that more than half of the state is made up of farmland? Including information on the region’s many Indigenous groups, this book explores how Ohio is truly at the heart of it all, from its roots as the new American frontier to its legacy as the home of rock and roll.

Did you know that the Statue of Liberty was originally copper-colored? Are you aware that Niagara Falls is the oldest state park in the country? Or that the Dutch were the first Europeans to settle in New York? Including information on the region's earliest Native groups and the Harlem Renaissance, this book explores New York's varied history and dynamic landscapes, from the dazzling skyscrapers of Manhattan to the striking waters of the Great Lakes and the Finger Lakes. There’s a reason it’s the most-visited state in the country!

Did you know that nearly one in three Texans speak Spanish at home? Are you aware that Texas is home to thousands of natural caves? Or that the largest urban bat colony in the world lives in this state? Including information on the many pre-Columbian groups traced to the region, this book explores what makes the history of Texas exceptionally unique, from its Spanish influences to the Texas Revolution. Discover the state’s distinct identity and why everything’s bigger in Texas!

Did you know that Virginia is home to a world-famous herd of wild ponies? Are you aware that eight US presidents, including George Washington, were born there? Or that it is home to the oldest free Black community in the nation? Including information on the region's many Indigenous groups, this book explores Virginia's rich history and culture, from celebrated Virginians like Booker T. Washington to famous places like the Pentagon.

Did you know that Arizona is where humans first discovered Pluto? Are you aware that Arizona produces more copper than any other state? Or that the Grand Canyon is one of the seven natural wonders of the world—the only one in the United States? Including information on the region's many Indigenous groups, this book explores Arizona's rich history and culture, from the cliff dwellings of Ancestral Puebloans to the legendary shootout at the OK Corral.

Did you know that Michigan has a floating post office? Are you aware that wolverines are exceedingly rare in Michigan, even though it's called the wolverine state? Or that over 40 percent of Michigan is covered in water? Including information on the region's many Indigenous groups, this book explores Michigan's rich history and culture, from the popularity of college sports to the history of Motown Records. The only US state split in two, Michigan has double the fascinating facts!

Did you know that New Jersey has more diners than any other state? Or that more Revolutionary War battles were fought there than anywhere else? Are you aware that Cape May is the oldest beach resort in the United States? Including information on the region's Indigenous groups, this book explores New Jersey's rich history and culture, from industrial cities like Trenton to preserved ecosystems like the Pine Barrens.